Article

Spinal cord injury (SCI) patients experience varying degrees of wrist and
shoulder pain. Previous studies indicated that 30 to 64 percent of SCI patients
reported chronic shoulder pain. The purpose of this study was to identify the
prevalence of chronic wrist and shoulder pain, to determine which activities
caused or exacerbated the pain, and assess functional and emotional responses to
chronic pain and identify ways in which the pain might be reduced. Eight hundred
SCI patients were surveyed by questionnaire with 451 (66 percent) responding. In
addition, 30 patients were available for clinical observation and evaluation.
Data was evaluated using the Statistical Analysis System and the Cornell Personal
Adjustment Scale. Results indicated that wrist and shoulder pain were more
prevalent than previously indicated (72.7 percent of respondents reported some
degree of chronic pain in one or both of these areas), wheelchair propulsion and
transfers caused most pain and also increased the degree of pain. Patient's age,
neurologic level and time since injury were not statistically significant in the
study and emotional responses did not significantly vary between groups with and
without pain. Further, it was noted that among the pain group, various routine
therapies were not effective. We conclude that alternative methods for wheelchair
propulsion and transfers, which lessen stress and cumulative trauma, need to be
developed for SCI patients in order to diminish the incidence of chronic upper
limb pain.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI